The Most Iconic Feature of Each F-150 Generation
For each generation of F-150 we identify the one thing that best defines that generation.
Intro
The Ford F-150 has been with us since 1975 and is currently in its ninth generation. It has been the best-selling truck in America almost from day one. There are many reasons why the F-150 has always been so popular. One of those reasons is that Ford continues to offer innovative and desirable features for the F-150. So, what we did was look at all nine F-150 generations and select the most important F-150 aspect for that generation. What put that particular F-150 generation on the map and made it stand out? Keep reading to find out.
Image: Ford
First Generation 1975 – 1979 – Heavy Duty Half Ton
This is where the F-150 line was born. The F-150 combined the ride comfort of the F-100 with a load rating just under the F-250. It was a combination of the best of both worlds. It could transport passengers in relative comfort, yet it could do some serious work. By 1976 the F-Series trucks became the best-selling trucks in the United States. It has retained that title ever since in large part due to the popularity of the F-150.
Image: Ford
Second Generation 1980 – 1986 – Twin Traction Beam
With the second-generation F-150 Ford moved from a solid-axle four-wheel-drive front end to a Twin Traction Beam (TTB) setup. Solid front axles were and still are lauded for their durability and simplicity. But at this point in history many truck buyers were using their trucks for daily chores and not just work and off-roading adventures. These new buyers wanted a truck that was still capable but offered a more car-like ride and handling. Enter the TTB setup, which was an evolution of the Twin I-Beam design used on Ford two-wheel drive trucks. The TTB solution improved handling, reduced weight and lowered the ride height which made it easier for folks to get in and out of the trucks. The hardcore off-roaders grumbled at the loss of solid axles, but the masses cheered.
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Third Generation 1987 – 1991 – Car-like Ergonomics
The third-generation F-150 trucks truly began the shift of pickup trucks being used for family duty instead of just being a work rig. The design of the truck became more streamlined and car-like. The interior of these trucks received many changes that brought the overall comfort level to that of the cars of the day. Rear anti-lock brakes became standard on these trucks. These trucks were still rugged, but they were moving away from becoming utilitarian machines.
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Fourth Generation 1992 – 1996 – SVT Lightning
The first F-150 SVT Lightning hit the streets for the 1993 model year. It was a game changing sport truck. Equipped with the 5.8-liter Windsor V8 the SVT Lightning made 240 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. It could hit 60 mph in about 7 seconds. That might not seem impressive today but that was only a couple of ticks behind the Mustang GT of the day. The first-generation SVT Lightning was built through the 1995 model year, and it helped to define this entire F-150 generation.
Image: Joe Kucinski
Fifth Generation 1997 – 2003 – Modular Triton V8 Engines
The F-150 went through a dramatic transformation for its fifth generation. Nearly everything was changed on these new trucks and that meant saying goodbye the beloved 300 ci straight six engine. After over three decades of service, it was time to move on to something new. That something new was the Triton V8. The new modular engine was offered as a 4.6L and 5.4L. The 5.4L made 235 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That made it more powerful than the 5.8L V8 found in the F-250 and F-350 trucks in 1997. Much has been written about these Triton engines, and not all of it has been good. But there is no question that these engines are the standout feature (for better or for worse) for the fifth gen F-150 trucks.
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Sixth Generation 2004 - 2008 – New Fully-Boxed Frame
Like the TTB suspension in the second-generation trucks and the Triton engines in the fifth-generation trucks, not everyone was thrilled with the new fully boxed frame that was introduced with the sixth-generation trucks. But it is the defining feature, so we have to list it here. A fully boxed frame is generally stiffer and stronger than a c-channel frame. But a fully boxed frame can be susceptible to rust, and a c-channel frame is easier to work with if you plan on mounting aftermarket equipment. No matter what side of the argument you land on, the fully boxed frame was a big deal for the F-150 starting in 2004.
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Seventh Generation 2009 – 2014 – SVT Raptor
Like the SVT Lighting in 1993 the SVT Raptor changed the pickup truck game when it was released for the 2010 model year. A powerful V8 engine, beefy tires, off-road suspension and more combined to make the first F-150 Raptor something truly special. Until the Ram TRX came out in 2021 there was not another truck on the market that could even compete with the Raptor. The first F-150 Raptor is an iconic truck and is the face of this generation.
Image: Ford
Eighth Generation 2015 – 2020 – Aluminum Body
Here we have yet another move that many people were upset with. Beginning in 2015 the F-150 would use an aluminum body. Folks were concerned that it would not be as strong as steel, and that Ford was turning the beloved F-150 into a weakling. But what Ford actually did is shave an incredible 700 pounds of weight compared to the previous generation. That made for a truck that could tow more, haul more and was quicker and more efficient. It was a revolutionary change and easily the cornerstone of this generation.
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Ninth Generation 2021 – Current – Off-Road Options
The current generation F-150 offers more for the off-road enthusiast than any generation before it. There is the Raptor and Raptor R for those with the desire and the means to buy the ultimate factory off-roader. A step down from that is the F-150 Tremor. And then the F-150 Rattler. If you want some extra luxury with your off-roading adventures, you can equip an F-150 Platinum with the FX4 Off-Road Package. An FX4-equipped truck packs enough off-road equipment to satisfy 99 percent of buyers. If off-roading is your thing, then there is a new F-150 for you. The myriad off-road options are what make this generation great.
Image: Ford